Creative Indoor Kids Crafts with Crayola

These creative kids crafts are part of a sponsored post for Collective Bias and Crayola at Walmart. #ColorfulCreations #Collective Bias

This weekend we had a couple very rare rainstorms here in Southern California, which was a nice change, but meant that we were stuck inside for a few days.  Luckily for me, I had just purchased some Crayola crayons, washable kids paint, and sidewalk chalk at Walmart, so we were all set for some fun craft time!  You know I'll find any excuse to get creative and make something, and luckily my kids love creating just as much as I do!

There was a large area devoted to Crayola products at Walmart and a huge selection, which was great, because they had tons to choose from.



We decided to create three different crafts with our new Crayola supplies- painted animal rocks, leaf and flower rubbings, and fingerprint animals.

Painted Animal Rocks

Supplies:

• Small to medium sized rocks
• Crayola Washable Kids Paint
• Paintbrushes

These painted animal rocks were the kids' favorite craft of the day.  When there was a break in the rain, we went outside and collected rocks that we could paint to look like different animals.  We went back inside and the kids brainstormed what animals they thought their rocks looked like, and then got to work painting!

My kindergartner decided to paint her rock blue, with a cheerful pink and purple butterfly in the center.

My son found the perfect broken rock to make the shell of a turtle!  

He decided to paint an oval rock brown for the head, and then we glued them together with a strong glue to make them stick.

My oldest made a blue dragon, complete with small, detailed scales.  She used smaller sharp rocks painted white for the ears, and added a few colored scales to the dragon's back.  

I loved her creativity!

You know I had to get in on the fun, too!  I chose to make two insects, a ladybug and a bumblebee!

Even my two year old had fun creating!  The best thing about this paint is that it's washable!  I didn't worry when my son had paint all over his shirt and hands because it all washed right out, which is perfect for my four kids and their messes!  

Fingerprint Animals:

Supplies:

• Ink pads (or paint would work as well)
• Crayola crayons
• Paper, blank cards, to tags

This fingerprint animal craft was SO easy, and kept my kids occupied for a long time, which is always a good thing!  

All they had to do was press their finger or thumb into one of my ink pads, press their finger down onto paper or a tag to leave a round print, and then use their crayons to add the details to their fingerprint animals with their crayons. 

My five year old made two cute little tags, one for her grandma and one for her grandpa who were taking her to a play later that day.

My son decided to create a jungle scene with his thumbprints, complete with a swinging monkey and bird up in her nest!

I love that there are so many possibilities with this craft!  You can create any animal you want with just the tips of your fingers, ink, and some crayons, which makes this craft easy and so fun!  Plus, who doesn't love a fresh new big pack of crayons?  My kids were practically drooling when they saw the new big box I bought them, and all of the great color choices they had!

Leaf Rubbings:

Supplies:

• Leaves, flowers, and other mostly flat items from nature
• Crayola sidewalk chalk
• paper

Now when you think sidewalk chalk, you think about big pictures drawn by your kids out in the yard, right?  But when it's raining or snowing outside, that's not an option.  We decided to get creative with the sidewalk chalk indoors, and make nature rubbings with the chalk and some leaves, flowers, etc. that we found out in the yard when there was a small break in the rain.

Here's what we gathered…

The directions are simple.  Place a leaf or other somewhat flat item from nature underneath a piece of paper (the thinner the better- we used copy paper which worked great), and carefully rub over the paper and leaf with the sidewalk chalk.

You'll find that some leaves and items work better than others, so it's an experiment to see what worked and what doesn't.  This is a great opportunity for discussion with your kids, too, as to why one leaf made a great rubbing (maybe it was thicker and had deeper veins), and flower didn't work as well (maybe the petals were too thin to leave a mark).  

You could also use this as a way to discuss different types of plants and their characteristics, what plants need to grow, etc.  As a former elementary school teacher, I know that the best way to teach is to tie learning into fun activities, and sometimes your kids won't even realize you're teaching them science because they're having so much fun!

I hope I inspired you to get creative with your kids indoors!  Crayola has so many great products, perfect for keeping your kids thinking and creating when the weather isn't cooperating and your kids are stuck indoors.  

Happy creating!

xo, Laura

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Holiday-Scented Play Dough Recipes

I had planned on posting this earlier in the month, and even though Christmas is only two days away, I just couldn't let Christmas pass without sharing these fun recipes with you!  I told my kids that I was going to make them some scented play dough, and had them brainstorm all of their favorite tastes and smells of Christmas.  They came up with our Andes Mint Chocolate Cookies (one of our delicious cookie traditions), candy canes, the smell of our Christmas tree, and I came up with eggnog, because I just LOVE it! ;)

So off to the kitchen I went to try and turn our favorite scents of Christmas into yummy-smelling play dough for the kids.  I started with the basic play dough recipe that I always use (you might remember it from the cinnamon-scented glitter play dough recipe).

I knew I would be making four different scents, so I doubled the recipe, and then split the finished play dough into four balls, ready to color and add scent to!  The recipe I am sharing below is the recipe for one batch of play dough.  If you are making all four scents, then I recommend doubling the recipe, and halfing each batch.  The scent additions that I am sharing are for one whole batch.  If you are splitting up the batch, then adjust the ingredients accordingly.

Best of all, this is a no-cook 4 minute play dough recipe, so it is really fast and really easy.  You can even mix it up in your Kitchen Aid using the dough hook, and avoid the stirring with a spoon. Couldn't be easier!

Four-Minute Basic Play Dough Recipe:

• 2 cups flour
• 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup salt
• 2 Tbsp. cream of tartar
• 1 cups of boiling water
• Glycerin (optional- a few drops)

1.  Mix the first 4 ingredients in a mixing bowl.  The Kitchen Aid is an easy option- just use the dough hook!

2.  Add the hot water and a few drops of glycerin (optional, but it gives the dough more shine).  Turn on the Kitchen Aid for a few minutes and let it mix and knead the dough.  (If you are not using a Kitchen Aid, then stir until the dough turns into a big sticky ball,  and then knead it for a few minutes on the counter.)  The kneading is what makes the stickiness go away, so don't skip this part!  You can also add some flour if it is still sticky.  This step is when I add the color and flavor, too, and knead well to mix it all in.  Recipe adapted from here.

Now for the fun part- adding the scents and colors!  I used half of a recipe for each scent, but I will give you the proportions for making a regular batch of play dough for the above recipe.  Just be sure to half the ingredients if you are making half the batch one scent and half another scent.

Although the play dough will smell good enough to eat, this play dough is NOT edible! Don't let your kids eat it!

Chocolate Mint Play Dough:

This smells great, just like my favorite Andes Mint chocolate cookies fresh out of the oven!  Very chocolatey with a little hint of refreshing mint. 

ADD:  3 Tbsp. cocoa and 1 tsp. peppermint extract.  You don't need to add any color because the cocoa gives it a lovely brown chocolate color!

Eggnog Play Dough:

I just love egg nog, and this play dough smells JUST like the real stuff, spicy and delicious!  Even though my kids don't like egg nog, they still loved the smell of this!  You just might find yourself wandering over to the play dough to get a sniff, they smell THAT good! ;)

ADD:  1 1/2 tsp. rum extract, 1 tsp. vanilla, 1 tsp. nutmeg, 1 tsp, cinnamon, 1 tsp. cloves, and a tiny tiny bit of yellow food color.  The spices will give the play dough the speckled look of egg nog, which I love!

Christmas Tree Play Dough:

This one was a little trickier, because I couldn't think of any pine scented oils or spices.  BUT, we have rosemary bushed that smell very similar to Christmas trees, so we used rosemary oil to scent it, and the kids loved the smell!

ADD:  20 drops of rosemary essential oil (available in health food stores or online) and green food color.

Candy Cane Play Dough:

Who doesn't love the minty fresh smell of peppermint at Christmas time?  

ADD:  3 tsp. peppermint extract and red food color.

I hope you enjoy these holiday-scented play dough recipes as much as we did!  If you keep them in an airtight container, they should last you for months.

These would also make great gifts for little ones to pass out to their friends, or to give to cousins or neighbors.  I had some cute little Martha Stewart Christmas muslin bags that were perfect for packaging these up and giving away!  Just be sure so seal them in a plastic bag first so they don't dry out.  If you try them, I'd love for you to let me know what you think by leaving a comment below! 

xo, Laura

Delicious Potato Soup Recipe

This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group™ and Kleenex but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #KleenexTarget  http://cmp.ly/3/8vNxcO

Although we're only 9 days into December, almost our whole family (my husband, four kids, and I) have already been sick this holiday season.  So far we've suffered through colds, really bad coughs, the flu, the stomach flu, and sore throats.  Ugh.  When my family gets sick, I make them relax in their bed or on the couch, have them sleep, and then they can watch a movie.  I give them a box of Kleenex tissues for those runny or stuffed up noses, and then make them a nice, simple warm meal that will make them feel better.

One of my favorite foods to eat when I have a cough or cold is a nice warm bowl of potato soup.  It warms me up from the inside out, and makes me feel all warm and cozy inside ;)  Chicken noodle is great for the job, too, but sometimes you need to mix things up a bit!

I recently bought a four pack of Kleenex boxes while shopping at Target, and fell in love with the cute new holiday boxes they have that look like they are wrapped like presents.  Hey, if you have to be sick,  you might as well do it in style, right?  There's also a $1 coupon that you can print HERE and use when you buy a 4-pack or larger of Kleenexes, which make these a great deal.

This potato soup recipe, like any recipe, is totally adaptable to your taste.  I use bacon in this recipe, but you can also substitute turkey bacon, or simply omit the bacon.  I used evaporated milk, but if you want to use heavy cream or half and half to make the coup richer, then go for it!  Like your soup cheesy?  Add cheese at the end!  (My son won't go near anything with cheese in it, so I leave it out).  I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do!

Delicious Potato Soup:

• 1/2 lb. bacon, chopped into small pieces (I just used half the package of bacon)
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 large potatoes, chopped into small cubes
• 4 Tbsp. flour
• 2 Tbsp. butter
• salt and pepper
• 3 cans chicken broth (6 cups broth total)
• 1 can evaporated milk
• Toppings: (Optional) chives, sour cream or Greek yogurt, shredded cheese, crumbled bacon

1.  Cook the chopped pieces of bacon right in the soup pot until they are nice and crisp.  Remove the bacon from the pan, but keep the bacon grease in the pan.  Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook over medium hear, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent.  

2.  Add the 2 Tbsp. of butter, and let melt.  Add the chopped potatoes to the pot, along sprinkle on the 4 Tbsp. of flour, along with some salt and pepper.  Stir until the potatoes are evenly coated with flour, and cook for a minute or two.

3.  Add the chicken broth, bring to a  boil, and let the mixture simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are soft.  Once potatoes are tender, add in the can of evaporated milk and the bacon (leaving some out for garnish for the soup).  Let simmer for about 5 minutes.  After 5 minutes, taste and re-season if necessary.

4.  If you like chunky potato soup, then you can leave the soup as is.  I like my soup creamy, with a few little chunks of potato, so I blend about 80% of my soup in the blender or food processor to give it a smooth consistency.  Just be sure to only fill your blender about halfway with soup (work in batches), because the hot soup expands and can pop the lid off and make a huge mess if you fill the blender too full.  Don't ask how I know this.  Rookie mistake after I was first married and attempted my first batch of potato soup.  But you're smarter than that and won't make the same mistake, right? ;)

I love to garnish my soup with a little shredded cheese on top, along with some Greek yogurt (tastes just like sour cream on top and I always have it on hand), chives and bacon crumbles.  I also like to serve it with crusty bread and a salad.  Yum!

This is the perfect soup for a cold winter day when you have a cold, cough, or sore throat.  It's a hot, hearty soup that will warm you right up!

Don't forget to print out your coupon for $1 off a multi pack of Kleenexes at Target. Then you'll be all ready to brave the colds, coughs, and every other sickness that this time of year is sure to bring!

xo, Laura

DIY Anthropologie-Inspired Snow Globes

Last year I posted a Christmas project tutorial that was very popular.  It was inspired by an Anthropologie version of a snow globe that was pretty, but was soooo overpriced.

I don't mind paying for some items at that amazing store, but when it's something that I know I can DIY at home for so much cheaper, then you can bet I'm going to do it!

If you follow me on Instagram, you might have seen that my version was just featured in Mother Earth Living Magazine, a wonderful magazine that is sold in Barnes & Nobel, Walmart, and many other places.  It's my first time having my work featured in print, and I can't describe how cool it is to flip through the pages of the magazine and see my project!

In honor of it being published, I thought I'd bring back this tutorial and share it with you today... enjoy!

Don't get me wrong, I love Anthropologie as much as the next person, but seriously, $28 for a small and $40 for a large mason jar snow globe?  These snow globes are adorable, but I knew that I could make them for a LOT cheaper using some mason jars from my collection and some bottle brush trees.

I've been wanting to make these for weeks, but those darn trees have been so elusive!  The only place I could find them in stock (finally) was at Home Depot, of all places, for around $7.50 for a whole bag of 21 trees. Great deal!

So here's my Anthropologie Inspired Snow Globes, with a much more reasonable price tag. And they can be made in under 5 minutes each!

And just for fun, let's compare versions and prices:

I think Anthropologie has some serious competition with my DIY version, don't you agree? Especially when mine costs 1/20th and 1/14th of their price!!  Here's how to make your own beautiful snow globes...

Supplies:

• Mason Jars (any shape and size you would like to use)
• Bottle Brush Trees (from Home Depot, Michaels, Joannes, etc...)
• Fake Snow or Epsom Salt (I used fake snow because I wanted it fluffier than Anthro's version)
• Glue Gun
• Clear Glitter (optional)
• Small Rocks or Clear Pebbles (optional)

Step #1-  Glue a tree onto the inside of a mason jar lid.  If you want your tree to sit higher, so that you can add more snow, then glue your tree to a small rock or pebble like I did.

Step #2-  Add as much snow and glitter as you would like to the jar, with the opening up top. Screw on the lid, turn the jar upside down, and be amazed at how easy and beautiful your new snow globe is!

These snow globes are so pretty to decorate with, and would make a great gift with a cute tag and ribbon wrapped around the base!  I hope you enjoy making these as much as I did.  Cheap, fast, and easy, the best kind of DIY project, right?!

P.S.  If you were thinking about adding water and glycerin to this version, DON'T, unless you want to have a "blue Christmas" ;)  Not that I would ever try such a silly thing.

If you liked this project, please follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Bloglovin', and Instagram.

XO, Laura

Cranberry Cinnamon Streusel Muffins Recipe

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group™ and Post Pebbles, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #PostWalgreens http://cmp.ly/3/8vNxcO.

I am so beyond excited to share with you this Cranberry Cinnamon Streusel Muffins recipe.  I've been experimenting in the kitchen, trying to come up with a really good cranberry muffin recipe (since it's cranberry season, right?), and I really think this recipe hits the nail on the head!

These muffins are sweet, but not too sweet, and perfectly balance out the tartness of the fresh cranberries that are baked inside.  The tops of these muffins have a nice slightly crunchy, caramelized top that tastes amazing!

You'll never guess the secret ingredient that gives the inside of these muffins such a nice texture, and is also part of the tasty, crunchy sweet streusel cinnamon topping... Honey Bunches of Oats Cereal!  I headed to Walgreens, where Post Honey Bunches of Oats, Fruity Pebbles, Great Grains, and Grape Nuts are all on sale this week for only $1.99, and picked up a box of Post Honey Bunches of Oats with Almonds Cereal.  My family eats a box of cereal a day (since there are six of us), so this is a great time to stock up!

You really have to give these muffins a try.  They are honestly my favorite muffin that I have ever eaten, and these are now going to be a recipe that I turn to again and again for great tasting muffins... enjoy!

Cranberry Cinnamon Streusel Muffins:

• 2 cups flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 2 cups Honey Bunches of Oats Cereal (I used the kind with almonds, but any will work), slightly crushed- 1 cup for the muffins, 1 cup for the topping
• 1 egg
• 4 Tbsp. melted butter
• 1 cup milk
• 2 cups fresh cranberries, rinsed and picked through to remove any soft cranberries
• 1/4 cup turbinado sugar (sugar in the raw), or regular sugar
• 1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
• dash of nutmeg
• 1/4 cup melted butter

1.  Preheat the oven to 375 degrees, and grease 10 muffins cups or place 10 cupcake liners inside the cups.  Stir together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and one cup of Honey Bunches of Oats cereal in a medium bowl.

2.  In another bowl, whisk together the egg, melted butter, and milk, just until blended.  Add the liquid ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring just until moistened.  The batter will be slightly lumpy, which is fine.  Fold in the cranberries just until mixed in evenly.  Don't over mix!

3.  Spoon the batter into the muffin liners or cups, and fill level with the top of the cup.  Combine one cup of slightly crushed Honey Bunches of Oats cereal with the turbinado sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.  Stir in the 1/4 cup of melted butter, and spoon the topping evenly onto each muffin.

4.  Bake until muffins are dry, and when a toothpick inserted into the middle of the muffin comes out clean, approximately 25 minutes.  All ovens are different, however, so be sure to keep an eye on the muffins while cooking, and remove immediately when they are baked through.

I truly hope you enjoy these muffins.  In fact, I'm enjoying one right now as I type this ;)  If you want to try these, don't forget that Honey Bunches of Oats cereal, along with other Post cereals, are on sale at Walgreens this week for only $1.99.

Happy baking!

If you liked this, I'd love for you to follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Bloglovin', and Instagram.

xo, Laura

13 Delicious Pumpkin Seed Recipes

Every fall my kids and I look forward to making jack-o-lanterns and cutting open our pumpkins to take out the seeds and roast them.  Each year I like to try a new pumpkin seeds recipe- some years I make them savory, some years sweet.  You really can't go wrong with making roasted pumpkin seeds!

If you love pumpkin seeds as much as we do, you'll love this roundup of delicious pumpkin seed recipes that I put together for you to enjoy!  Have fun trying out the different combinations, and let me know which way is your favorite!  Just click on the title to be taken to the recipe!

1.  Garlic Pumpkin Seeds, by Taste of Home- There's no excuse not to make this easy recipe- you can make these garlic pumpkin seeds right in the microwave!

2.  Pumpkin Pie Spiced Roasted Pumpkin Seeds, by Premeditated Leftovers-  I love the flavor of pumpkin pie spices, and it's only appropriate that they be added to roasted pumpkin seeds, don't you think?

3.  Candied Pumpkin Seeds Recipe, by Just a Pinch Recipes- I love eating candied nuts, so you know I'm wanting to try these candied pumpkin seeds... yum!

4.   Spicy Pumpkin Seeds, by Survival at Home- I'm a sucker for anything spicy, and pumpkin seeds are no exception!  These spicy pumpkin seeds are definitely on my must-try list!

5.  Cinnamon and Sugar Pumpkin Seeds, by Circle of Moms- You had me at cinnamon and sugar!  This is one of my kids' favorite ways to enjoy pumpkin seeds.

6.  Spicy Herbed Pumpkin Seeds, by About Time- This savory recipe includes the delicious addition of chipotle chili powder.  Sounds delicious!

7.  Chile Lime Roasted Pumpkin Seeds, by The Austin Gastronomist- Oooh, I never thought about adding lime to pumpkin seeds, but I bet it tastes amazing on pumpkin seeds with the chili powder... going on my ever growing list of recipes to try.

8.  Italian Style Roasted Pumpkin Seeds, by What's Cookin' Italian Style Cuisine- I'm convinced that everything tastes better with rosemary on it, and pumpkin seeds are no exception!

9.  Cajun Barbecue Pumpkin Seeds, by The Daily Meal- Barbecue flavor anything tastes amazing, so I can't wait to try these cajun barbecue pumpkin seeds.

10.  Salted Caramel Pumpkin Seeds, by The Comfort of Cooking- Salted caramel pumpkin seeds?!?  Two words- YES PLEASE!!

11.  Toasted Kettle Corn Pumpkin Seeds, by Thyme Bombe- I've already professed my love for kettle corn with you (and shared my easy recipe for making it), so I know I would love to gobble up this delicious recipe for toasted kettle corn pumpkin seeds!

12.  Sweet n' Salty Chocolate Covered Pumpkin Seeds, by The Diva Dish- We all know chocolate makes everything better, and that includes pumpkin seeds!

13.   Cinnamon Coconut Roasted Pumpkin Seeds Recipe, by Delicious Obsessions- Cinnamon and coconut sound like an amazing combination to top your pumpkin seeds with!

So there you have it!  13 delicious pumpkin seed recipes to try... now the only problem is choosing which one (or ones) to make first!  And buying enough pumpkins to make all these tasty treats! ;)

My make at home Starbucks Caramel Apple Spice drink would taste great with pumpkin seeds!

For more fall fun, you can print off my fall activities bucket list punch card, and punch a hole in the pumpkins each time you complete a fall activity with your family!

And for a fun family Halloween meal, check out this Spooky Spaghetti with Eyeballs!

To decorate your home this fall, you can see how to make this cinnamon-scented nature wreath,

or this fall wreath made out of paper!

Happy baking!

If you liked this, I'd love for you to follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Bloglovin', and Instagram.

xo, Laura

Linking Up Here: Ginger Snap Crafts, Tatertots and Jello, Snap!, 36th Avenue